My 12-year-old has made over $5,000 selling stickers she designed. She's donated part of her earnings to local charities.
Business Insider
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A 12-year-old girl named Maddie Landry from Portland, Maine, has made over $5,000 selling stickers she designed, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and creativity. Maddie’s journey began at age seven when she asked her parents to help turn her doodles into stickers for herself and her friends. What started as a fun project quickly grew into a successful business, with Maddie selling her designs online, in local shops, and at events. To date, she has donated 10% of her earnings—over $500—to local charities, reflecting the family’s values of giving back to the community.
Maddie’s story highlights how parents can nurture their children’s creativity and entrepreneurial skills by involving them in the business process. When Maddie was eight, she set up a lemonade stand and sold her stickers, sparking her entrepreneurial venture. Her parents supported her by teaching her how to set up a website, manage online orders, and understand profits. This hands-on approach not only allowed Maddie to learn valuable business skills but also empowered her to take control of her creative vision.
Maddie’s success is a testament to the power of fostering curiosity and creativity in children. Her parents encouraged her to explore her interests while teaching her practical lessons about money management. She has used her earnings in four key areas: fun purchases like a fluffy North Face coat, donations to charity, reinvesting in her business, and savings. This approach not only builds financial literacy but also instills responsibility and the importance of balancing personal goals with social good.
Maddie’s achievements are inspiring for several reasons. First, it demonstrates how children can achieve significant success when given the opportunity to explore their passions and supported by their families. Second, her story shows that even small businesses can make a meaningful impact through giving back. Maddie’s journey also highlights the importance of teaching kids about business and financial responsibility in a fun and engaging way.
Ultimately, Maddie’s story is not just about making money—it’s about creativity, family values, and the power of nurturing young entrepreneurs. Her ability to turn her love for doodling into a thriving business while donating to charity sets an example for other children and parents alike. By fostering innovation and supporting their kids’ entrepreneurial endeavors, parents can help them develop valuable life skills that extend far beyond the business itself.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/23/2026